Electric exercising apparatus



No. 638,232. Patented Dec. 5, I899. C. L. FORTIER.

ELECTRIC EXEBGISING APPARATUS.

(Application filed. Dec. 12, 1898.)

2 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

No. 638,232. Patented Dec. 5, I899. C. L. FORTIER.

ELECTRIC EXEBCISING APPARATUS.

(Application filed Dec. 12, 1898.) N 0 M 0 d e l 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES L. FORTIER, OF MILIVAUKEE, IVISOONSIN.

ELECTRIC EXERCISING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 638,232, dated December5, 1899.

Application filed December 12, 1898. serial No, 698,971; (No model.)

To whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, CHARLES L. FORTIER, a citizen of the United States,residing at Mil- Waukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State ofWisconsin, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in ElectricExercising Apparatus, of which the following is a specification,reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a partthereof.

My invention relates to that class of apparatus in which means forproducing a current of electricity through the body or limbs of theoperator are combined with means for physical exercise. Its main objectis to simplify, cheapen, and improve the construction and operation ofapparatus of this class.

It consists of certain novel features of con struction and arrangementand combination of parts, as hereinafter particularly described andpointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings like letters .aud numerals designate thesame parts in the several figures.

Figure 1 is a front elevation and diagram of one form of electricalexercising apparatus embodying my invention; and Figs. 2 to 7,inclusive, are diagrams illustrating some of the various modificationsof which apparatus embodying the invention is susceptible.

In a general way the apparatus comprises exercising apparatus of acommon well-known type, constructed and arranged to afford a variety ofmuscular or physical exercises, and of electrical devices so connectedwith the exercising apparatus as to subject the body or limbs of theoperator to a current ofelectricity while exercise is being taken. Theexerciser comprises one or more movable handles or hand'grips whichserve as the electrodes of an electric circuit and as means forexercising the arms and body, and a mechanical'retractingresistance-such as a weight, spring, or elastic cord-connected with eachhandle, so as to resist the pull of the operator and return the handlewhen released to its starting-point. The electrical apparatus comprisesa source of electricity generated independently of the exerciser meansfor controlling the current, changing its course or direction andincreasing or varyingits strength as desired, and electrical connectionsfor directing the current through different parts of the body and limbsof the operator.

Referring to Fig. 1, A A designate the handles or grips of an exerciserof the class above mentioned. They are made of orprovided withconducting material, so as to serve as electrodes for directing acurrent of electricity through the hands and arms of the operator whileexercising with the apparatus. They are attached to flexibleconducting-cords a a, which pass over pulleys B B, and are provided attheir opposite ends with adjustable weights C Q. These pulleys are inthe present case, like the handles and cords, made of conductingmaterial and serve as parts of the electric circuit for conveyingcurrent to the operator.

D designates a source of electricity produced or generated independentlyof the operation of the exerciser. In the present instance thisgenerator is represented as consisting of two cells of battery. Thepoles of the battery are connected with the arms of a pole-changingswitch E, the free ends of which are adapted to be moved into engagementeither with the contacts 1 and 2 or with the contacts 2 and 3.

F is an induction-coil of the ordinary kind, consisting of primary andsecondary coils and an adjustable core f for varying the strength of thecurrent.

One of the pulleys B of the exerciser is provided with a toothed ornotched wheel G, made in the present case of metal or conductingmaterial and adapted to engage intermittently when turned with aninsulated spring-contact y. This wheel, with the contact-spring,constitutes a circuit-interrupter which, when the exerciser is inoperation, breaks and closes the circuit through the primary coil of theinduction-coil F, thereby inducing in the secondary coil of theinduction-coil a rapid succession of electrical pulsations, which arecommunicated to the operator through the connections hereinafterexplained. The induction-coil, in connection with thecircuit-interrupter, serves to increase the strength or tension of thecurrent supplied by the battery, thus augmenting the physiologicaleffect upon the operator and admitting of the employment of a simplebattery or other generator of a normally-feeble current.

The frame or bracket 1), which carries one of the pulleys B of theexerciser, is pivoted to its support or otherwise made capable oflimited movement when subjected to the pull of the operator through thecord (L. It is adapted, when the pulley is depressed, to engage with aninsulated stop and electrical contact Z); but when it isnot subjected tothe pull of the operator in working the exerciser it is retracted andheld out of engagement With said contact by a spring o The parts lastdescribed constitute an automatic circuit-controller by which theprimary circuit, including a battery or electric generator, is closedwhen the apparatus is in use, and is opened, thereby preventingdepletion of the battery or waste of current, when the apparatus is notin use.

H designates an electrode for application to any desired part of thebody of the operator and for use in connection with either or both ofthe handles AA. In the present case the extra electrode is shown as afloor-plate for the operator to stand upon, and thus cause, whenproperly connected, at current of electricity to pass through either orboth legs.

I is a double contact-switch for connecting and disconnecting thefloor-plate or extra electrode H with the secondary or working circuitof the apparatus and for dividing the current and changing its coursethrough the operator. One arm of the switch I is connected by aconductor 4 with one terminal of the secondary induction'coil, the otherterminal of said coil being connected by a conductor 5 with the contactZ) of the automatic circuit-controller. The conductor 5 has a branchconnection with one terminal of the primary induction-coil and a branchconnection with the other arm of the switch I. The contacts 1 and 3 ofthe pole-changing switch are connected. by a conductor 6 with thespring-contact g of the circuit-interrupter, and the contact 2 of saidswitch is connected by a conductor 7 with the other terminal of theprimary coil of the induction-coil. The switch 1 is adapted to engagewith one or both of two contacts 8 and 9. The contact Sis connected by aconductor 10 with the metallic or conducting frame of the pulley B, andthe contact 9 is connected by a conductor 11 with the floor-plate orextra electrode H.

The several parts of the apparatus may be mounted upon a base or backboard J, as shown, or upon any other convenient or suitable support, andare insulated, where it is necessary, in the usual or any well-knownmanner.

This form of the apparatus operates as follows: In working the exerciserthe handles A A are grasped in the usual way and pulled by the operator,so as to alternately raise and lower the weights. The pulley B, beingsubjected to the pull of the operator or the weight suspended therefrom,moves the frame or bracket Z) against the tension of spring intoengagement with the contact Z), thus closing the circuit at that point.As the wheel G is rotated by the operation of that part of the exerciserthe primary circuit, through the generator and primary induction -coil,is alternately closed and broken in rapid succession, producing a seriesof electrical impulses in the primary coil and a series of correspondingbut much stronger impulses in the secondary induction-coil. When theswitch I is in the position shown in the drawings, current will passfrom the secondary inductioncoil through the conductor 4:, one arm ofsaid switch, contact 8, conductor 10, pulley B, and the cord and handleof the exerciser in connection therewith, thence through the body andarms of the operator to the other handle and cord, the pulley B, frameI), contact I), and conductor aback to the other terminal of said coil.The strength of this current may be varied by adjusting the corefof theind notion-coil in the usual way. The course of the primary current,with the switch E in the position shown, will be from the battery orgenerator D through one arm of said switch, contact 1,conductor (3,contact 9, break-wheel G, frame B, contact I), conductor 5, the primaryinduction coil, conductor 7, and contact 2 back through the other arm ofsaid switch E to the other pole of the battery or generator. By turningthe switch E to the right, so as to bring its arms into engagement withthe contacts 2 and 3, the direction both of the primary and of thesecondary currents will be reversed and current will pass through thebody of the operator in the opposite direction. By turning the switch Ito the right, so that one of its arms will engage with the contact 8 andthe other arm with the contact 9, one terminal of the secondaryinductioncoil will be connected through the conductor 4, one arm of saidswitch, contact 9, and conductor 11 with the floor-plate or extraelectrode H, while the other terminal of said coilwill be connectedthrough the conductor 5, contact Z), frame I), and pulley B with onecord and handle of the exerciser, and through one of the branches of theconductor 5, the other arm of switch I, contact 8, conductor 10, andpulley B with the other cord and handle of the exerciser. Thus thecurrent will pass through one or both legs of the operator or any otherpart of the body to which the extra electrode H is applied and dividethrough the arms, provided both handles A A are grasped. With thefloor-plate or extra electrode H in circuit the handle of the cordpassing over pulley B may be dropped and the handle of the other cordpassing over pulley B grasped and worked with either hand, the entirecurrent in this case passing through that hand instead of dividing, asbefore, between the two arms and hands. iVhen the handle of the cordpassing over the pulley 3 is dropped or released, the spring retractingthe frame I) from engagement with contact I), immediately breaks theprimary circuit, which remains open, thereby preventing Waste of currentand depletion of battery as long as the exerciser remains out of use.

Referring to Fig. 2, in place of the faradic induction-coil havingprimary and secondary coils a single self-induction coil F is employed,dispensing with separate and distinct primary and secondary circuits. Inthis case a similar inductive action takes place between separateconvolutions of the continuous helical coil and a like or similareffectin increasing the strength or intensity of the current is producedat the electrodes. In this case the flexible cords a a of the exerciserare permanently attached at one end to fixed supports ta with which theelectrical connections are made, as hereinafter explained. The weights0' C are provided with pulleys c c, by which they are suspended uponsaid cords between their supports a and the pulleys B B. The pulley B ismade of or provided with insulating material in such a way as toinsulate the cord which passes over it from the break-wheel G, or thesame result may be secured by providing the cord with aninsulating-covering. The springcontact 9 is attached to the support a ofthe cord passing over the pulley B. The battery or generator is, as inthe apparatus hereinbefore described, connected with the two arms of thepole-changing switch E, the fixed contacts 1 and 3 of which areconnected by a conductor 12 with one terminal of the induction-coil,while the contact 2 is connected by a conductor 13 with the contact I)of the automatic circuit-controller and by a branch of said conductorwith one arm of the switch I. The spring-contact g is connected by aconductor 14 with the other terminal of the induction-coil and by abranch with the other arm of the switch I. One contact 8 of the switch Iis connected by a conductor 15 with the support CF, to which the cordpassing over pulley B is attached, and the other contact 9 of saidswitch is connected by a conductor 11, as in Fig. 1, with thefloor-plate or extra electrode H. In this arrangement of circuits itwill be observed that the circuit through the cords, pulleys, andhandles of the exerciser or the extra electrode H and one or both ofsaid cords bridges the break in the circuit made by the interrupterbetween the wheel G and spring-contact g, so that when the circuitthrough the battery or generator D is broken it will be closed for theinduced current through the induction-coil and body of the operator. Themanipulation and adjustment of this form of the apparatus are like or sosimilar to those of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 that they will bereadily understood from the foregoing description, and therefore need nofurther explanation.

Referring to Fig. 3, illustrating another modification of the apparatussimilar in general arrangement to that shown in Fig. 1 and provided witha faradic induction-coil having separate primary and secondary coils,anelectromagnetic circuit-interrupter like or similar to those commonlyemployed with induction-coils is used in place of the interrupteroperated by the exerciser, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This interrupterconsists of a vibrating spring K, carrying an armature in proximity withone end of the induction-coil and bearing normally against a back-stopand contact 7t. The exercising mechanism and the circuit connections arelike or similar to those shown in Fig. 1, except that the fixed contacts1 and 3 of the pole-changing switch E are connected by a conductor 16with one terminal of the primary induction-coil, the opposite terminalof said coil being connected with the vibrating spring K of theinterrupter and the contact 7c of said interrupter being connected by aconductor 17 with the contact Z) of the automatic circuit-controller.One terminal of the secondary induction-coil is connected by a conductor18 with the frame Z) of the pulley B, which is in turn connected by aconductor 19 with the contact 2 of the pole-changing switch E and withone arm of the switch I, the other arm of the switch I being connectedby a conductor 4 with the other terminal of the secondaryinduction-coil, as in Fig. 1. When the apparatus is adjusted as shown inthe drawings and the circuit is closed at b b by a pull on the cordpassing over the pulley B, current will pass from the battery throughone arm of the switch E, contact 1, conductor 16, the primaryinductioncoil, spring K, contact 71' conductor 17, contact b,pulley-frame b, conductor 19, contact 2, and the other arm of switch Eback to thebattery. The primaryinduction-coil, being thus energized,will attract its armature and momentarily bend the spring K away fromthe contact 7;, breaking the circuit at that point, whereupon the springK is released and flies back against the contact 70, again closing thecircuit at that point. Thus the circuit through the primaryinductioncoil will be momentarily broken and closed in rapid succession.The corresponding pulsations induced in the secondary induction-coilwill pass by the conductor a to one arm of the switch I, contact 8,conductor 10, pulley B, and the cord passing over said pulley to onehandle of the exerciser, thence through the arms and body of theoperator to the other handle A of the exerciser, thence to the pulley Bthrough the cord passing over it, frame Z), and conductor 18 to theother terminal of said coil. The switches E and I are manipulated thesame as in the apparatus shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to change the directionof the current and to change its course to and through the electrodes ofthe exerciser.

Referring to Fig. 41, which shows still another modification, theexercising apparatus is like or similar to that shown in Figs. 1 and 3,and a self-induction coil like or similar to that shown in Fig. 2 and anelectromagnetic interrupter like or similar to that shown in Fig. 0 areemployed in connection with switches E and Ifor changing the directionand course of the current and an automatic circuit-controller forbreaking the circuit when the apparatus is not in use, substantially asshown in the preceding figures. In this case the fixed contacts 1 and 3of the pole-changing switch E are connected by conductor 20 with thespring K of the interrupter, and the back stop and contact 7.: of saidinterrupter are connected with one terminal of the induction-coil. Theother terminal of the induction-coil is connected by a conductor 21 withthe contact I) of the automatic circuit-controller. The middle contact 2of the switch E is connected by conductor 22 with the frame I) of thepulley B. One arm of the switch I is connected by a conductor 23 withthe contact 75 of the interrupter or with one terminal of theinduction-coil. The other arm of said switchis connected by a conductor24: with the conductor2l or with the other terminal of theinduction-coil. When the circuit is closed at I) Z) by a pull on thecord passing over the pulley B, current flows from the battery orgenerator D through one arm of the switch E, contact 1, conductor 20,spring K, contact 70, thence through the induction-coil, conductor 21,contact 1), pulley-frame b, conductor 22, contact 3, and the other armof the switch E back to the battery. The vibrating spring K operates, asbefore explained, to rapidly break and close this circuit, therebyproducing by induction in the coil F intensified pulsations, which, inthe position of the apparatus shown in the drawings, pass from oneterminal of the coil through the conductor 21, contact I),

pulley-frame b to the pulley B and the cord and handle associatedtherewith, thence through the arms and body of the operator to the otherhandle of the exerciser, thence through the pulley B, conductor 10,contact 8, one arm of the switch I, conductor 23, back to the otherterminal of said coil. \Vhen the switch I is turned to the right, thecurrent will pass from the conductor 23 through one arm of said switch,contact 9, and conductor 11 to the floor-plate or extra electrode 11,thence through the body of the operator and dividing through the arms,if both handles A A are grasped, will pass through and from the pulleyB, through conductor 10, contact 8, the other arm of said switch, andconductors 24 and 21 back to the induction-coil. From the other pulley Bthe current will pass through the frame Z1, contact Z), and conductor 21to the induction-coil. By turning the switch E to the right thedirection of the current will be reversed, the switch I being placed ineither position.

While the electromagnetic-circuit interrupter K 76 shown in Figs. 3 and4 may be employed in place of that shown in Figs. 1 and 2, I prefer thelatter, because it can be constructed or adjusted to break the circuitwith less rapidity than the other, and thus allow the muscles to relaxbetween the electrical pulsations, which produce contraction, whereasthe pulsations produced with the interrupter K follow each other in suchrapid succession that the muscles are not allowed sufficient time torelax or fully relax between the successive pulsations, and consequentlythe current is less effective and beneficial.

In Fig. 5 Ishow another modification of the apparatus in which adiiferent form of circuit-interrupter is employed in connection with aninduction-coil, taking the place not only of the interrupting devicesshown in the preceding figures, but also of the pole-changing orcurrent-reversing switch E. A modified form of the circuit-controllerfor breaking the circuit when the apparatus is not in use is also shownin this figure. The frame of the pulley B is provided with a stem Dwhich is movable vertically in a suitable support and is provided with acontact I), adapted, when the pulley-frame is depressed by a pull on theweight-cord, to engage with an opposing contact 19 A spring tends tomove the contact b out of engagement with the contact b when theassociated handle of the exerciser is released, and thus break thecircuit when the exerciser is not in operation. Upon the extended axleof the pulley B is mounted a cylinder L, provided with contact-plates ZZ, which are insulated from each otherand from said pulley. Uponopposite sides of said cylinder are arranged insulated spring-contactsor brushes m m and n, n, which are carried by arms on the pulley-frame.One contact or brush of each pair on each side of the cylinder engagesconstantly with one of said plates Z, while the other contact or brushengages successively with both plates when the cylinder is rotated. Thuseach of the two contacts or brushes nearest the ends of the cylinder areelectrically connected alternately with each of the other two contactsor brushes when the cylinder is rotated. hen either of the two innercontacts or brushes m or a is between and out of engagement with theplates Z Z, the circuit is broken. This device serves not only thepurpose of the interrupter G, (shown in Figs. 1 and 2,) or of theelectromagnetic interrupter K, (shown in Figs. 3 and 4,) to alternatelybreak and close the circuit and produce pulsations at the electrodes ofthe exerciser, but also to reverse the direction of the current orproduce alternating pulsations of equal strength. For this reason thepole-changing or current-reversing switch E (shown in the precedingfigures) may be dispensed with. One pole of the battery or generator Dis connected with the brush it of the current-reversing interrupter. Theother pole of said battery is connected with the contact I) of theautomatic circuitcontroller, and the contact 1) is connected with thebrush on of said interrupter. One terminal of the primary induction-coilis connected with the brush m and the other terminal of said coilisconnected with the brush IIO a. One arm of the switch I is connectedwith one terminal of the secondary induction-coil and the other arm ofsaid switch is connected with the other terminal of said coil and withthe contact I) or with the pulley B through its frame. The contacts 8and 9 of said switch are connected with the frame of pulley B and withthe floor-plate or extra electrode. When the circuit is closed at b bythe depression of the pulley B in the operation of the ex-6IOlS6l,CL11l6l1li passes from one pole of the bat tery D to the brusha, thence to the brush n or to the brush m, according to the position ofthe cylinder L, or is momentarily interrupted when said brush n is outof contact with both of the plates l. WVhen the two brushes 'n and n arein contact with the same plate, the current will pass from the brush 71through the primary induction-coil to the brush m, thence to the brushon, bearing on the same plate Z, and thence through the contacts I) and5 back to the other pole of the battery. Then the brushes of each pair mm and an bear on different plates, the current will pass from the brusha to the brush m, thence through the primary induction-coil in thereverse direction back through the brush it, thence to the brush m backto the other pole of the battery, as above explained. Thus by therotation of the cylinder L in the operation of the exerciser the currentwill be interrupted and reversed through the primary induction-coil withgreater or less rapidity, according to the construction and arrangementof the contact-plates of. cylinder L and according to the speed withwhich said cylinder is turned. The pulsations of current produced, asabove explained, in the primary induction-coil induce correspondingalternating pulsations of increased intensity in the secondary coil,from which they are conducted to the electrodes of the exerciser throughthe connections above described and in a manner which will be readilyunderstood from the explanation of the preceding figures.

In Fig. 6, showing another modification of the apparatus, a battery orgenerator D, adapted to supply a current of the maximum strengthrequired for the exerciser without an induction-coil, is employed. Inthis form of the apparatus I have shown an exerciser substantially likethat illustrated in Fig. 2 and a current-reversing interrupter and anautomatic circuit-controller like those shown in Fig. 5. One brush m ofthe interrupter is connected through the contacts I) and b of thecircuit-controller with one pole of the battery, and the correspondingbrush n on the opposite side of the cylinder L is connected with theother pole of the battery. The brush m is connected with one of thebinding-posts or cord-supports a of the exerciser and with one arm ofthe switch I, and the remaining brush n is connected with the other armof said switch. The other electrical connections are substantially likethose shown in the preceding figures and hereinbefore described.

In some convenient part of the circuit, as between the battery and thebrush a, is inserted adjustable resistance R to vary the strength of thecurrent as desired. The manipulation and operation of this form ofapparatus will be readily understood from the description of thepreceding figures and the explanation of the operation of the apparatustherein shown.

In Fig. 7 is shown another modification of the apparatus containing abattery or generator D like that shown in Fig. 6, and a circuitinterrupter and controller similar to those shown in Fig. 1, theconstruction of the exercising apparatus being like or similar to thatshown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4. \Vith this form of the apparatus, employingan interrupter which does not change the direction of the current, I usea pole-changing or current-reversing switch E, as in the forms shown inFigs. 1, 2, 3, and 4. The circuit-interrupter differs from that shown inFig. 1 in that the contact-spring is arranged to be moved into and outof engagement with the stop-contact boftheautomaticcircuit-controller.Adjustable resistance R is provided in some convenient part of thecircuit, as in the form of apparatus shown in Fig. 6, to reduce or varythe strength of the current, as desired. The poles of the battery orgenerator are each connected with one arm of the switch E. The contacts1 and 3 of this switch are connected with the contact Z) of theautomatic circuit-controller and also with one arm of the switch I. Theother arm of switch I is connected with the contact 2 of switch E. Theother electrical connections are substantially like those of thepreceding figures. The operation of this form of apparatus is like orsimilar to the other forms shown in the preceding figures and will bereadily understood from the de scription thereof.

In Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 the pulleys of the exerciser are shown atright angles to the positions which they would naturally and ordinarilyhave in practice.

Various changes in details of construction and arrangement of partsother than those specifically mentioned maybe made in the apparatuswithoutmaterial change in the results attained and without departurefrom the principle and intended scope of the invention.

I claim 1. The combination with an exerciser, comprising a movableelectrode and retracting resistance, of asource of electricitygeneratedindependently of the exerciser, and a circuitcontroller constructed andarranged to close the circuit when the exerciser is put in operation andto automatically break the circuit when the exerciser is notin use,substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

2. The combination with an exerciser, comprising two or more electrodes,one or more of which is movable, and retracting resistance foreachexercising-electrode, of a source of electricity generatedindependentlyof the IIO exerciser, and a switch for closing or opening the circuitthrough one or more of said electrodes, substantially as and for thepurposes set forth.

3. The combination with an exerciser, comprising a movable electrode andretracting resistance, of a source of electricitygenerated independentlyof said exerciser, and means for changing the direction or polarity ofthe current through said electrode, substantially as and for thepurposes set forth.

4. The combination with an exerciser comprising a pair of movableelectrical conducting handles and retracting resistance connected withsaid handles, of a source of electricity generated independently of theexerciser, an extra electrode for application to a part of the operator,and a switch arranged to direct the current through said handles orthrough said extra electrode and the handles of the exerciser,substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

5. The combination with an exerciser comprising a pulley having amovable frame or support constituting a part of a circuit-controller, aconducting handle or electrode attached to a flexible cord passing oversaid pulley and provided with retracting resist ance, an electricalcontact arranged to be engaged by the pulley-frame when the handle ofthe exerciser is subjected to a pull, and a source of electricitygenerated independently of the exerciser, substantially as and for thepurposes set forth.

6. The combination with an exerciser comprising a pulley and a movableelectrode attached to a flexible cord or the like passing over saidpulley, of a source of electricity generatedindependently of theexerciser, and a circuit-interrupter consisting of a breakwheel actuatedby said pulley, and a contact adapted to be engaged by said break-wheeland to successively close and break the circuit including said source ofelectricity, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

7. The combination with an exerciser comprising pulleys andconducting-handles attached to cords passing over said pulleys, of asource of electricity generated independently of the exerciser, aninduction-coil for increasing the strength or in tensity of the current,a circuit-interrupter consisting of a break-Wheel actuated by one ofsaid pulleys and a contact arranged to be engaged thereby forsuccessively opening and closing the circuit through saidinduction-coil, and an automatic circuitecontroller adapted to close thecircuit when the exerciser is in operation and to break the circuit whenthe exerciser is not in operation, substantially as and for the purposesset forth.

8. The combination with an exerciser comprising pulleys andconducting-handles having flexible connections, passing over saidpulleys, with retractile resistance, of asource of electricitygeneratedindependently of the ex erciser, an induction-coil for increasing thestrength or intensity of the current, a polechanging switch forreversing the direction of the current through said handles, acircuitinterrupter consisting of a break-wheel actuated by one of saidpulleys, and of a contact adapted to be engaged thereby, and anautomatic circuit-controllerfor closing the circuit when the exerciseris in opra-tion and opening the circuit when the apparatus is not inuse, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

9-. The combination with an exerciser comprising a pairof pulleys andconducting-handles having flexible connections, passing over saidpulleys, with retracting resistance, of a source of electricitygenerated independently of the exerciser, aninductii'm-coil forincreasing the strength of the current, a circuit-interrupter forsuccessively breaking and closing the circuit through saidinduction-coil, an automatic circuit-controller adapted to close thecircuit when force isapplied to one of said handles and to open the samewhen said handle is released, an extra electrode for application to apart of the operator, and aswitch for changing the course of the circuitthrough said extra electrode and the handles or through the handlesonly, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

10. The combination with an exerciser com prising apair of pulleys andconducting-handles having flexible connections, passing over saidpulleys, with suitable retracting resistance, of a source of electricitygenerated independently of the exerciser, an inductioncoil forincreasing the strength of the current, a pole-changing switch forreversing the direction of the current, a circuit-interrupter consistingof a break-wheel actuated by one of the pulleys, and of a contactadapted to be successively engaged by said break-wheel, an automaticcircuit-controller adapted to close the circuit when one handle of theexerciser is subjected to a pull and to open the circuit when saidhandle is released, an extra electrode for application to any desiredpart of the operator, and a switch for changing the course of thecurrent through said extra eleetrode and handles, substantially as andfor the purposes set forth.

In witness whereof I hereto affix my signature in presence of twowitnesses.

CHARLES L. FORTIER.

lVitnesses:

CHAS. L. Goss, M. L. EMERY.

